As a homeowner, you want to make sure that your house is protected. You might think that all you need to do is to install a burglar alarm, but there are many other things you can do. Keep reading for an inside look at what you can do to make your home secure. Compare different
As a homeowner, you want to make sure that your house is protected. You might think that all you need to do is to install a burglar alarm, but there are many other things you can do. Keep reading for an inside look at what you can do to make your home secure.
Compare different systems when looking into home security. Prices vary significantly, even for similar levels of protection. Obtain quotes from a minimum of three home security companies before making a final decision.
When you buy a new house, be sure the locks are changed. You don’t know the exact number of copies of that key the previous owners have or have handed out. Get a locksmith in right away. Also, you can contact a locksmith if you ever misplace your keys.
Don’t open your door when strangers are knocking. You never know who they might be, despite their story. Make it mandatory that doors in your home are only opened for expected visitors.
If your house has a garage, keep the car there, not just your junk. Having the car in the garage will prevent it from getting broken into or stolen. Besides, intruders will have a hard time determining whether or not you are home if you keep your car inside your garage.
Setting off an alarm during a burglary is just one of the valuable functions a good security system can perform. Most systems could sound an alarm when someone enters the home. This is useful for parents who have small kids, as it helps keep them from leaving the house.
No matter how good your security system is, it should be checked annually. This is a job for professionals; get a security firm to inspect your equipment. Wild animals or plain old nature can wreak havoc on your home security system. You might be unaware of problems that arise in some cases.
Ask your friends for advice before you choose a home security system or company. Others may have had bad and good experiences that they share with you so that you may be able to save time and stress. By asking around, you will gain information about the pros and cons of a variety of options.
Don’t forget skylights when doing a security sweep for your home. Skylights are commonly used by thieves to enter a home. Be sure that the skylights for your home are durable and reliable.
When selecting an alarm set-up, think about getting one that protects not just the doors in your home. Windows are a way for thieves to enter your home as well. You want a security system that monitors all your windows and doors. This helps ensure your family stays safe.
The police department in your area may offer a home protection program. Many police departments will offer expert advice, arrange inspections, sponsor neighborhood watches, and help you mark and register your valuables. Discuss these programs with a local police officer to see if they’re available in your area.
Obtain flashlights with solid batteries, and ensure they are kept in all the rooms of your home in the event of a power outage. These items will help you remain safe when there is no electricity. Keep in mind that your family might be separated during a power outage, and make sure you children know where to find and how to use your flashlights.
Put up motion activated lighting. These lights will come on if someone walks near your home. You will receive advance warning of any potential issues, and a would-be intruder will probably be scared off. Just remember and change out the light bulbs whenever necessary.
Always ask for references before letting a contractor or a maid in your home. Be sure to perform a background check and look for any criminal history that might be in evidence. Avoid giving keys out to contractors, maids and repairmen.
The areas outside your home should be kept well lit. Criminals love darkness to help mask their crimes. Install lights by each and every entryway to your home. Over doors, near windows and especially your back yard need to be lit.
Walls are a good place to hide things. Jewelry and other small items can be protected very well when placed in hiding places in your walls. Just take advantage of the phone jack, electrical outlet or unused switch plate. You can also install a fake one.
If you just purchased electronics, do not leave empty boxes outside. A burglar may see the box and decide to target you as a result. Cut the boxes up when they are empty.
Hide valuables in spaces in your walls. You don’t have to damage the walls to do so. Many places around your house have areas that are already pre-cut. Perhaps you can use an old electricity socket as a place to hide your valuables.
Don’t fit your exterior doors with locks of the spring latch variety. This type of lock is extremely easy to break. Anyone with a credit card can do it. Intruders simply wedge a credit card between the door and latch, triggering the lock to open. A deadbolt can be retrofitted to a door with a spring latch lock if you want to make it more secure.
Avoid keeping auto registration in your glove compartment. This isn’t smart since anybody who gets them is going to know your address. Keep them on you, or another place to hide them. They have to be accessible in the event you are in an accident or receive a speeding ticket.
Make certain no one can see your valuable belongings through windows and doors. While it may be nice to look out, burglars will see your valuables inside. If you’ve got street facing windows, be sure and keep them covered.
Do not make a number-code password your birthday or other obvious number. Anyone can easily get your birthday from a Facebook profile or your driver’s licence. Rather, use a number that can be determined through an equation that you can remember instead.
Do you turn the lights on and off during the same time period? If so, consider a timer. This helps the lights stay on and continue to switch even when you’re away from your home.
Always lock your house, even if you are only going to be away for a few minutes. It may shock you to know this, but a lot of intruders get inside homes through open doors. Thieves can steal thousands worth of your belongings very quickly.
Secure your true valuables in an area that is as safe as possible. Items like passports, family photos, financial records, expensive jewelry and legal documents are best kept in a secure location. A floor safe is a great place to keep these items within the home. A better idea is storing them inside a type of safe deposit box that’s outside your home.
Establish some good relations with your neighbors. The nosy neighbor may not make for good company, but he or she is likely to notice suspicious individuals near your house. Stay on their good side and they will be sure to let you know if they see anything suspicious.
If you bought any big or expensive things, wait until trash day to throw away the boxes. Having these boxes nearby can tell robbers what kind of merchandise you’ve got in your house.
A dog trained to bark will keep you safe. Burglars don’t want to put themselves in the position of being attacked. Consider getting a large dog that is able to protect, but that also is gentle with children and friendly to your whole family.
Always change the keys and locks on a new home. This is true of rentals and homes you buy, so ask your landlord to switch the lock or hire a locksmith to do it yourself, if you are able to do so.
If someone from the security company comes to your home, ask to see their ID before allowing them in. Thieves may say they are from a certain company to get into your home. This can be extremely dangerous to your home and loved ones. Act cautiously in order to stay away from potential dangers.
Your valuables should not be visible from outside. Letting anyone on the street get a look at your possessions will allow would-be thieves to do some literal window shopping. Window treatments are a wonderful way to maintain privacy in your home. If this is not a possibility, keep really valuable stuff in interior rooms.
Make sure you clean carbon monoxide and smoke detectors often. Dust and lint can gradually build up on them, and if you do not clean your detectors on a regular basis, this can interfere with the sensors. Thus, it is important to clean your detectors periodically.
One relatively inexpensive way to add an extra layer of protection to your home is to install motion sensor lights for the exterior of your home. These lights not only give off light at night, but can also offer security around your home. Properly-situated motion detectors will give your home a complete field of protection and make it impossible for a miscreant to approach undetected.
After having read these tips, you should now feel much safer. Though it may all seem overwhelming, it is essential if you are to keep your loved ones and belongings secure. These tips can make this possible.
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